The single class stainless steel coaches are to be lightweight with an axle load of 15 tonnes, against 18 tonnes for DMRC, which will in turn make the supporting structures lighter and occupy less space. The power traction 750 volts systems will be on the bottom rails rather than overhead giving a better look. It was also decided not leave any space between the coaches and the platforms with barricading up to four and six feet.
Hyderabad MRTS Project Director N.V.S. Reddy told presspersons visiting Delhi Metro that different designs were being discussed to make the journey safe for passengers for the three/six coach trains with scheduled speed of 34 kmph and maximum speed of 80 kmph.
Platform barricading will ensure that none will have access to the rails and the gates will open only when the train stops and the automatic doors open. The ballast-less and joint-less rails will reduce noise besides providing better riding comfort.
Integration of routes and different systems of transport are being planned at Ameerpet, Secunderabad and Osmania Medical College stations and they will remain with the Government for better interchange facilities.
The Central and State Governments are expected to pitch in close to Rs. 2,800 crores of the Rs. 7,000 crores estimated cost. This 'viability gap' funding by the Governments will be some 40 per cent of the total cost, he said.
The remaining 60 per cent of the money will be brought in by the Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) developers of which six were shortlisted for phase one of 60 km on three lines - Jubilee Bus Station to Falaknuma, L.B.Nagar to Patancheru and Habsiguda to Hi-tec City.
The Government was planning to start construction before the year-end and complete it in four years, said Mr. Reddy. Two routes will have a minimum carrying capacity of 25,000 passengers per hour per direction (pphd) upgradable to 55,000. The third route covering the Secunderabad-Falaknuma line will have the capacity of carrying 20,000 pphd upgradable to 36,000. The pre-cast girder segmental construction of the Panjagutta flyover currently under way could hold the key because the building method is akin to the MRTS project development work, he added.
